2027: ‘Your Votes Will Count’ — INEC Chairman Sends Strong Message to Nigerians

• The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that their votes will count during the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that every valid vote cast during the 2027 general elections will count, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to delivering free, fair and credible elections.

Amupitan gave the assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalam Abubakar (retd.), at his residence in Minna, Niger State.

The INEC chairman led a delegation that included National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, directors and his technical aides.

During the visit, Amupitan described Abdulsalam Abubakar as “the father of democracy in Nigeria,” saying his leadership during the country’s transition from military rule to civilian government in 1999 remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.

He stated that the electoral commission regarded the former Head of State not only as a respected statesman but also as a pillar of support for INEC.

Amupitan also commended Abdulsalam’s leadership of the National Peace Committee, particularly its Peace Accord initiative, which he described as a moral force that has encouraged peaceful elections and responsible political conduct across the country.

According to him, the Peace Accord has continued to provide political parties and candidates with a platform to commit themselves to peaceful campaigns and non-violence, thereby strengthening respect for the will of the Nigerian electorate.

Describing the visit as “a pilgrimage of appreciation,” the INEC chairman praised Abdulsalam for his contributions to democratic stability, peaceful coexistence and credible elections in Nigeria.

He also congratulated the former military ruler on his recent 84th birthday.

Speaking on preparations for the 2027 general elections, Amupitan assured Nigerians that despite the challenges and pressures confronting the commission, INEC would remain committed to ensuring that election results accurately reflect the choices made by voters.

“The Commission’s determination under my leadership is to ensure that ordinary Nigerians go out to vote with the confidence that their votes will be duly counted and reflected in the outcome of elections,” he said, describing that commitment as the core assurance the commission owes every Nigerian voter.

The INEC chairman also formally confirmed the timetable for the 2027 general elections.

According to him, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

Responding, former Head of State Abdulsalam Abubakar called on Nigerians to continue supporting INEC as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, stressing the importance of peaceful participation and public confidence in the country’s electoral process.